Head-wearable Training Tool and Method

ABSTRACT

A head-wearable training tool used for functional neck musculature training to help lower the risk and reduce the number of sport-related concussions. The head-wearable training tool is weighted in a manner to have a substantially identical weight to that of and identified sport (e.g., football) helmet. An associated method involves off-season training using the head-wearable training tool.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

The instant application claims priority to U.S. provisional ApplicationSer. No. 61/761,943 filed Feb. 7, 2013, the subject matter of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

N/A.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the field ofathletic conditioning and, more particularly to a head-wearableapparatus for functional neck musculature training and strengthening andrelated method.

BACKGROUND

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines mildtraumatic brain injury (MTBI), which term is used interchangeably withthe term; concussion,’ as a complex pathophysiologic process affectingthe brain induced by traumatic biomechanical forces secondary to director indirect forces to the head. A concussion or MTBI can be caused by ablow or a jolt to the head or body that disrupts the function of thebrain. More particularly, an acute traumatic event such as a concussioncauses axonal shearing in the central nervous system by the suddenrotational forces to the skull and brain. A concussion generally occurswhen the brain hits the inside of the skull and the neck musculature isnot strong enough to slow the head down and decrease the forcesinvolved. Since the head (skull and brain) sits on the neck, functionaltraining of the neck musculature may be the only way to slow down andreduce axonal shearing. Disturbances of the body position or headposition causes a disturbance in balance and the body's awareness ofwhere it is in space (proprioception). Training the neck muscles in afunctional manner trains proprioception and balance mechanisms which mayhelp in keeping the head stable during a change in position

The neck musculature is conventionally trained using traditional weightlifting exercises including manual resistance, and weighted exercisesmoving the neck through planes of range (e.g., flexion, extension,rotations and side flexion). The traditional way of neck strengtheningdoes not provide proprioceptive neuromuscular feedback andstrengthening. The neck musculature is not trained in a functionalmanner, i.e., while e.g., running, cutting, changing directions, whileperforming agility drills, sport and position specific drills,conditioning drills, etc.—sport and position specific movements involvedin all ground-based sports (football, ice hockey, lacrosse, etc.).

Moreover, many collegiate athletes complain of headaches from wearing afootball helmet for the first time since spring football practice and inmany cases, since the end of the previous fall season. Also, someathletes do not easily become acclimated to heat/head temperatures whiletraining during the summer months. Younger participants may find arequired sport helmet to be awkward and uncomfortable, and it may affecttheir playing ability, simply because they are unaccustomed to wearingsuch an apparatus.

Contact sports including but not limited to football, ice hockey,lacrosse, rugby, boxing, etc., provide enhanced situations forparticipants to suffer a concussion.

It is important to note that, for many sports (especially at thecollegiate level) during the ‘off-season,’ athlete participants areallowed to only participate in strength and conditioning activities andsport specific skill instruction without their respective sportequipment until the ‘official equipment’ is issued on the ‘official’sport ‘in-season’ start date, usually in August for, e.g., collegiatefootball. Thus, providing official equipment for off-season trainingcould pose a liability issue for the institution.

In view of the foregoing, the inventor has recognized that there is amulti-faceted need for products and practices that help to lower therisk and reduce the number of sport-related concussions, as well asaddressing equipment adaptability for players, and liability issues forinstitutions. The recognition of these needs has facilitated solutionsin the forms of the embodied head-wearable training tool and methoddisclosed and claimed herein.

The following disclosure of exemplary embodiments and aspects of theinvention will refer specifically to the sport or activity of footballas known and played in the US, to clarify the concept of the inventionto the reader; however, it will be apparent that the embodied inventioncan be easily designed and/or modified to make it particularly suitedfor use pertaining to other sports or activities that parallel theaforementioned issues associated with football, and the solutionsprovided by the embodied invention as applied to football.

The objects, benefits, and advantages provided by the solutions enabledby the embodied invention will be described in detail below withreference to the accompanying figures and as set forth in the appendedclaims.

SUMMARY Definitions

The term ‘functional training’ or ‘functional movement’ or ‘functionalactivities’ of a designated sport as may be used herein (and in theclaims) means a sport-specific drill, exercise, motion, etc. that issimilar to a respective specific-sport movement or action, while theathlete is training in an off-season period of the sport to strengthenand/or train the musculature of the neck to react to sudden changesassociated with the specific-sport movement or action.

The term ‘cap’ or ‘training tool cap’ or ‘training cap’ as may be usedherein (and in the claims) means a head-wearable apparel in the form ofa hat, a helmet, a headband, or other form of head-wearable apparelhaving weight and weight distribution characteristics suitable for theintended purpose, function, and objects of the embodied invention as setforth herein.

The term ‘in-season’ as may be used herein (and in the claims) means theofficial or formally sanctioned period of time during which a particularsport is played and may include what is commonly understood as‘post-season’ (e.g., playoffs) and ‘pre-season’ (e.g., exhibition) butnot ‘off-season’ (e.g., training). Similarly, the term ‘off-season’ asmay be used herein (and in the claims) means that period of time duringwhich a particular sport is not officially played but is commonly usedor institutionally designated as the designated sport's training periodor strength and conditioning training and sport specific skilldevelopment period.

The term ‘suitable’ as may be used herein (and in the claims) meanshaving the qualities that are correct, needed, or appropriate forsomething, especially as a person skilled in the art would understand.

The term ‘about’ as may be used herein (and in the claims) means theamount of the specified quantity plus/minus a fractional amount thereofthat a person skilled in the art would recognize as typical andreasonable for that particular quantity or measurement.

The term ‘substantially’ as may be used herein (and in the claims) meansas close to or similar to the specified term being modified as a personskilled in the art would recognize as typical and reasonable; for e.g.,within typical manufacturing and/or assembly tolerances, as opposed tobeing intentionally different by design and implementation.

Embodiments of the invention are an apparatus and method for functionalneck musculature training and strengthening, particularly as a meansfor, but not limited to, helping to lower the risk and reduce the numberof sport-related concussions.

An embodiment of the invention is head-wearable training tool (‘cap’).The head-wearable training cap can particularly be for a designatedsport that requires an official associated headgear worn by aparticipant during an in-season participation in said designated sport,said associated headgear having a weight in a designated range,comprising a weighted region that at least partially encircles awearer's head, wherein said weighted region is characterized by a weightthat is substantially the same as the weight of the official associatedheadgear worn by the participant during the in-season participation insaid designated sport. The embodied training cap may further becharacterized by the following illustrative, exemplary, non-limitingaspects, features, or limitations:

wherein the designated sport is football and the weighted region has aweight of between about two to five pounds;

-   -   wherein the weighted region has a weight of between 4.1 and 4.5        pounds;

wherein the weighted region is adapted to provide substantially fullcoverage of the wearer's head;

comprising a second region connected to the weighted region, wherein thedesignated sport is football and the weighted region has a weight ofbetween about two to five pounds;

-   -   wherein the training cap has a weight of between 4.1 and 4.5        pounds;    -   wherein the second region comprises a mesh construction;    -   wherein the second region comprises a plurality of crossed strap        regions;

wherein the weighted region is adapted to substantially cover thewearer's ears;

wherein the weighted region comprises a pocket into which a selectedweight can be removeably disposed.

The head-wearable training cap need not be tied to any designated sport,per se, that requires an official associated headgear worn by aparticipant during an in-season participation in said designated sport,said associated headgear having a weight in a designated range. Rather,the head-wearable training cap could be associated with a sport thatdoes not require a designated or official in-season headgear, but has ahistory of concussions, for example, men's and women's soccer, whichhave a fairly high concussion rate.

An embodiment of the invention is a method for athletic conditioning.The method involves the steps of selecting a designated sport thatrequires an official associated headgear worn by a participant during anin-season participation in said designated sport, wherein saidassociated headgear has a weight in a designated range; providing atraining cap comprising a weighted region that at least partiallyencircles a wearer's head, wherein said weighted region is characterizedby a weight that is substantially the same as the weight of the officialassociated headgear worn by the participant during the in-seasonparticipation in said designated sport; wearing the training cap duringat least part of a designated off-season training period of thedesignated sport while performing a functional movement associated withthe designated sport. The embodied training method may further becharacterized by the following illustrative, exemplary, non-limitingaspects, features, or steps:

wearing the training cap 2-3 days/week;

wherein the designated sport involves a rule that does not allow theofficial associated headgear to be used during the designated off-seasontraining period of the designated sport.

A method for athletic conditioning as described above and herein belowneed not be tied to any designated sport, per se, that requires anofficial associated headgear worn by a participant during an in-seasonparticipation in said designated sport. Rather, the athleticconditioning method could be used for participants in a sport that doesnot require a designated or official in-season headgear, but has ahistory of concussions, for example, men's and women's soccer, whichhave a fairly high concussion rate. The embodied method would help theseparticipants in the off-season also (e.g., during soccer drills andstrength and conditioning).

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe detailed description to follow, and in part will be readily apparentto those skilled in the art from that description or recognized bypracticing the invention as described herein, including the detaileddescription which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are merely exemplary of theinvention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework forunderstanding the nature and character of the invention as it isclaimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodimentsof the invention and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples and operation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated byreading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a is an illustrative front perspective view of a training cap,and FIG. 1 b is a rear view. In this aspect, the cap providesessentially full coverage over the user's head. The radially extendinglines on the cap define sections of the cap, at least some of which formopen and/or closed pockets on the interior of the cap in which aweighted material can inserted or removeably insertable to provide boththe proper weight for the cap and a selectable distribution of theweight for specific training purposes, according to an illustrativeembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 a is an illustrative front perspective view of a training cap,and FIG. 2 b is a rear view. In this aspect, the cap has a weightedheadband region and an unweighted mesh skull cap region. The headbandregion has weighted or weightable pockets similar to those described inregard to the aspect illustrated in FIG. 1. The mesh skull cap portioncan be made of a material to allow or controllably allow ventilation andthe escape of heat from the wearer's head, according to an illustrativeembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 a is an illustrative front perspective view of a training cap,and FIG. 3 b is a rear view. In this aspect, the cap only has a headbandportion similar to the aspect illustrated in FIG. 2, according to anillustrative aspect of the invention;

FIG. 4 a is an illustrative front perspective view of a training cap,and FIG. 4 b is a rear view. In this aspect, the cap has a headbandportion similar to the aspect illustrated in FIG. 2, and strapping(front/back, side/side) to assist in wearer comfort and cap stability,according to an illustrative aspect of the invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a training cap having one or more pockets for holdinga weighted material, which can be reversibly sealed shut by an adhesiveclosure such as hooks and loops, according to an illustrative aspect ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING, EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THEINVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are a training cap and a method forathletic conditioning using the training cap. Embodiments of theinvention are intended to be utilized to help lower the risk and reducethe number of sport-related concussions, address equipment adaptabilityfor players, lessen the risk of, or eliminate, rule-based liabilityissues for institutions, all of which may themselves be consideredaspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 a is an illustrative front perspective view of a training cap100-1, and FIG. 1 b is a rear view. In this aspect, the cap providesessentially full coverage over the user's head comprising a weightedregion 25. The radially extending lines 12 shown on the cap definesections 14 of the cap, at least some of which may form open, closable,and/or closed internal pockets 16 in the cap in which a weightedmaterial 18 resides or is removeably insertable to provide both thesuitable weight for the cap and a selected distribution of the weightfor specific sport training purposes, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In analternative aspect, a single open, closable or closed internal pocketthat is weighted or is weightable may be provided. Weight may beprovided by metal, gel, sand, beads, clay, and other suitable materials.Referring to the exemplary cap 100-1 illustrated in FIG. 1, weights ofthe appropriate amount might be disposed in the front and the rear ofthe cap to strengthen the musculature specifically associated withforward and backward head movement or weights of the appropriate amountmight be disposed in the right and left sides of the cap to strengthenthe musculature specifically associated with sideways head movement orweights of the appropriate amount might be disposed evenly around thecap to strengthen the musculature associated with generalized headmovement.

The suitable weight of the cap referred to above is a weight that issubstantially the same as that of a respective ‘in-season’ headgear(e.g., helmet) of a designated sport (e.g., football). An adult(gridiron) football helmet typically weighs between about four to fivepounds according to various gridiron helmet manufacturers. Therefore, itwould be particularly advantageous to have the weighted region of thecap (and therefore essentially the entire cap) weigh between 4.1 and 4.5pounds.

Table 1 lists football helmet weights for a variety of size ‘large’helmets from a commercial manufacturer. In an aspect, the training capmay resemble a football helmet in surface-area covered and shape butwith no face mask. All aspects of the training cap may be made of one ormore materials including a pliant, breathable, soft material (e.g.,leather, nylon, foam (rubber), etc.; a rigid or hard material (e.g.,plastic, fiberglass, foam, etc.), a rigid or hard material outer shellwith a pliable or soft inner liner. Certain materials may be selected toprovide the wearer with the same feel and wearer experience that wouldbe provided by wearing an official headgear of the designated sport.

FIG. 2 a is an illustrative front perspective view of an alternativeaspect of a training cap 100-2, and FIG. 2 b is a rear view. In thisaspect, the cap has a weighted/weightable headband region 25 and a mesh(unweighted) skull cap region 27. The headband region 25 has weighted orweightable pockets similar to those described in regard to the cap 100-1illustrated in FIG. 1. The mesh skull cap portion can be made of amaterial to allow or controllably allow ventilation and the escape ofheat from the wearer's head. As illustrated, the rear of the headbandregion includes a closure 33 (e.g., Velcro, snaps, etc.) that providesfor an adjustable fit. The base perimeter of the cap may be of a fixeddimension/size or be elasticized, as illustrated in FIG. 1, or haveother fitting arrangements as known in the art.

FIG. 3 a is an illustrative front perspective view of an aspect of atraining cap 100-3, and FIG. 3 b is a rear view. In this aspect, the caponly has a weighted/weightable, headband portion similar to the aspect100-2 illustrated in FIG. 2 but without the mesh skull cap region.

FIG. 4 a is an illustrative front perspective view of an aspect of atraining cap 100-4, and FIG. 4 b is a rear view. In this aspect, the caphas a weighted/weightable headband portion 25 similar to the aspect100-2 illustrated in FIG. 2, and strapping 44 (front/back, side/side) toassist in wearer comfort and cap stability.

It is to be appreciated that materials, closure mechanisms, and otherfeatures of the training cap are applicable to all aspects thereof.

An embodiment of the invention is a method for athletic conditioningthat utilizes the embodied training cap. The method involves the stepsof selecting a designated sport (e.g., collegiate football) thatrequires an official associated headgear (e.g., regulation footballhelmet) worn by a participant during an in-season participation in thedesignated sport, wherein the official associated headgear has a weightin a designated range (e.g., 2-5 lbs for a football helmet). The methodthen requires providing a suitable embodied training cap and wearing (orhaving the athletic participant wear) the training cap during at leastpart of the off-season training period of the designated sport whileperforming the functional movements associated with the designatedsport. These functional movements may include, but are not limited to,agility drills, position specific drills and conditioning, cutting, andso on. For example, approximately 4-6 weeks before the designated sportseason begins, the athlete would wear the training cap for agilitydrills and position specific drills and conditioning, approximately 2-3days/week. The weight and weight distribution of the training capcombined with the functional movements of the body and head wouldprovide neuromuscular strengthening and proprioception feedback to theneck musculature that would transfer to the playing field duringin-season play and help to reduce or prevent concussions. This wouldallow acclimation to the weight of the helmet used in its respectivesport, as well as help train the neck musculature to accommodate themovements involved with wearing the official headgear of the designatedsport.

All references, including publications, patent applications, andpatents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the sameextent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicatedto be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entiretyherein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to beconstrued as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joinedtogether, even if there is something intervening.

The recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serveas a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and eachseparate value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable orderunless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted bycontext. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.,“such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminateembodiments of the invention and does not impose a limitation on thescope of the invention unless otherwise claimed.

No language in the specification should be construed as indicating anynon-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. There isno intention to limit the invention to the specific form or formsdisclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appendedclaims. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover themodifications and variations of this invention provided they come withinthe scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

TABLE 1 Football Helmet Weights (All weight values are for size ‘large’helmets. Other sizes will vary slightly in weight.) Weight (lbs/oz)Total w/ Total w/ Carbon Stainless Total w/ Helmet Steel Steel TitaniumHelmet Alone Facemask Facemask Facemask Schutt ION4D Adult 3 lbs, 4 lbs,8 oz — 4 lbs, 1 oz 6 oz Schutt Vengeance 3 lbs, 4 lbs, 10 oz — 4 lbs, 1oz 8 oz Schutt AiR XP Adult 2 lbs, 3 lbs, 15 oz 3 lbs, 13 oz 3 lbs, 5 oz13 oz Schutt DNA Pro + 3 lbs, 4 lbs, 6 oz — 3 lbs, Adult 2 oz 12 ozSchutt AiR XP Elite 3 lbs, 4 lbs, 4 oz 4 lbs, 2 oz 3 lbs, 2 oz 10 ozSchutt DNA Pro + 3 lbs, 4 lbs, 9 oz 4 lbs, 10 oz 3 lbs, Elite 5 oz 15 ozSchutt DNA Pro + w/ 3 lbs, — — 3 lbs, 8 oz Titanium Facemask 8 oz SchuttAiR Varsity 3 lbs, 4 lbs, 11 oz — — Commander 6 oz Schutt ION4D Youth 3lbs, 4 lbs, 8 oz — 4 lbs, 1 oz 6 oz Schutt AiR XP Youth 2 lbs, 3 lbs, 13oz 3 lbs, 11 oz 3 lbs, 3 oz 11 oz Schutt DNA Pro + 2 lbs, 4 lbs, 1 oz —— Youth 15 oz Schutt Recruit Hybrid 2 lbs, 3 lbs, 10 oz — — 11 oz SchuttRecruit 2 lbs, 3 lbs, 10 oz — — Hybrid+ 11 oz Schutt XP Hybrid 2 lbs, 3lbs, 7 oz — — 8 oz Schutt XP Hybrid+ 2 lbs, 3 lbs, 7 oz — — 8 oz SchuttAir Standard II 3 lbs, — — — 10 oz AiR Youth 2 lbs, 3 lbs, 1 oz — — 9 oz

I claim:
 1. A training cap for a designated sport that requires anofficial associated headgear worn by a participant during an in-seasonparticipation in said designated sport, said associated headgear havinga weight in a designated range, comprising: a weighted region that atleast partially encircles a wearer's head, wherein said weighted regionis characterized by a weight that is substantially the same as theweight of the associated headgear worn by the participant during thein-season participation in said designated sport.
 2. The training cap ofclaim 1, wherein the designated sport is football and the weightedregion has a weight of between about two to five pounds.
 3. The trainingcap of claim 2, wherein the weighted region has a weight of between 4.1and 4.5 pounds.
 4. The training cap of claim 1, wherein the weightedregion is adapted to provide substantially full coverage of the wearer'shead.
 5. The training cap of claim 1, comprising a second regionconnected to the weighted region, wherein the designated sport isfootball and the weighted region has a weight of between about two tofive pounds.
 6. The training cap of claim 5, wherein the training caphas a weight of between 4.1 and 4.5 pounds.
 7. The training cap of claim5, wherein the second region comprises a mesh construction.
 8. Thetraining cap of claim 5, wherein the second region comprises a pluralityof crossed strap regions.
 9. The training cap of claim 1, wherein theweighted region is adapted to substantially cover the wearer's ears. 10.The training cap of claim 1, wherein the weighted region comprises apocket into which a selected weight can be removeably disposed.
 11. Amethod for athletic conditioning, comprising: selecting a designatedsport that requires an official associated headgear worn by aparticipant during an in-season participation in said designated sport,wherein said associated headgear has a weight in a designated range;providing a training cap as set forth in claim 1; wearing the trainingcap during at least part of a designated off-season training period ofthe designated sport while performing a functional movement associatedwith the designated sport.
 12. The method of claim 11, comprisingwearing the training cap 2-3 days/week.
 13. The method of claim 11,wherein the designated sport involves a rule that does not allow theofficial associated headgear to be used during the designated off-seasontraining period of the designated sport.